The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement has warned MCA president Chua Soi Lek against challenging DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to a debate over the hudud issue.

"Abim regrets Chua's action of challenging other non-Muslim leaders in the country to debate this issue openly which can spark continued political and religious polemics," said its secretary-general Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim in a statement yesterday.

NONE This was among several demands which were included in a memorandum by Abim, handed over to Chua's representative at the MCA headquarters yesterday.

However, Mohamad Raimi ( in white )said he welcomed closed door academic discussion with any non-Muslim party interested in the hudud issue.

He is also demanding a public apology from Chua over his statements made during a recent hudud forum organised by MCA.

Soi Lek's speech gets bashed

In the keynote speech at the forum, Chua had elaborated at length how hudud law would affect the country's economy and foreign investment, something that would ultimately hurt all Malaysians.

"It is clear that his statement was based on accusations, prejudice and did not depend on any facts or empirical figures that can justify his claims," said Mohamad Raimi.

"The statement and his actions are not only intended for political popularity from the non-Muslim community but have indirectly demeaned hudud law as a mere political and election issue and hurt the sensitivity of Muslims in this country."

The memorandum also details several research and statements made by scholars on hudud law.

"We hope the academic material can be benefit Chua by improving his understanding of hudud and Islamic law before issuing any such statements in future.